1400 Beers Down and Many To Go

The calendar said Monday, but it seemed more like a Friday at Danville’s Pete’s Brass Rail and Carwash where the wait was 15 minutes to get a table. But given the chance to feast on great burgers and try out their always changing selection of beer that may otherwise go unnoticed, the 15 minutes was totally worth it.

Monday night was Pint Night at Pete’s, featuring selections from Dogfish Head Brewery and a raffle that kept those who opted to try one of the four Dogfish Head selections that the brewery showcased during the evening roaring as everyone was “oh so close” to winning a highly sought after pint glass. In fact, it was Dogfish Head’s 90 Minute I.P.A. (a beer continually-hopped for 90 minutes, which gives it a pungent, but not crushing hop flavor, according to the brewery) that marked the 1400th brew that Pete’s has served up since opening in April 1987.

I selected the San Ramon burger ($8.95) to go with my 90 Minute I.P.A. The half-pound burger was topped with bacon and avocado along with the usual lettuce, onions, pickles and pepperocini accompaniments. The burger was prepared medium on a flat grill. It was exactly the cure I needed to combat a stormy winter night. The I.P.A. which had a rich, bold flavor didn't disappoint.

Pete’s burgers come with a generous serving of french fries. Or do a “quickswitch” and change your fries into the restaurant's delicious garlic fries (my choice), curly fries, onion rings, veggies, chili or one of Pete’s salad options.

Add sprouts to the San Ramon burger to get the Danville burger ($8.95), which my friend enjoyed topped with grilled onions and paired with a pint of Snowshoe Apricot Wheat. The bacon-cheeseburger ($8.95) was equally good, my other dining companion said.

It’s not all burgers at Pete’s. The restaurant features a variety of chicken and turkey sandwiches, fish and chips, a pork tenderloin sandwich and many entrée salads as well. Or choose from one of the many daily specials to go with one of the twenty or so beers available on tap. Little ones may prefer peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese or a hot dog.

Pete’s is hosting the 5th annual charity Super Bowl Party benefiting Autism Speaks on Sunday, February 7. Guests will enjoy Pete’s full menu and an open bar. Cost is $125 per person. For details and to reserve your spot in front of one of the four big screen TVs, visit www.petesbrassrail.com

Open daily at 11:00 a.m. Monday – Thursday the kitchen stays open until at least 9:30 p.m. The kitchen is open until at least 10:00 p.m on Friday and Saturday and 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.